Precedence and Sequence / Government Orders

Government Orders

Journals p. 1734

Debates pp. 15043-4

Background

After the order had been read for resumption of consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bill C-243, an Act to amend the National Defence Act ..., Mr. Churchill (Winnipeg South Centre) proposed that the House proceed to second reading of Bill C-278, an Act respecting the occupational training of adults. The Speaker reminded the Members that the only way the House could proceed in accordance with Mr. Churchill's motion would be to suspend the provisions of Standing Order 18 by unanimous consent, which was refused.

Issue

Can a private Member introduce a motion asking that consideration of a different Government Order be proceeded with?

Decision

No. Government Orders are called in such sequence as the Government sees fit.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Once an order has been called by the Government, the only way the House could proceed with the Member's motion would be by suspending, with unanimous consent, the provisions of the relevant Standing Order. Moreover, the practice of the House is that all motions referring to the business of the House are introduced by the Government House Leader.

Sources cited

Standing Order 18.

Debates, May 14, 1956, pp. 3857-8.

Beauchesne, 4th ed., p. 82, c. 88(2).